Kim Jong Un Builds Up Military Might: North Korea Unveils New Missiles, Drones and Warships

North Korea has made a dramatic leap in military and political influence in recent years, capitalizing on its growing ties with Russia amid the war in Ukraine. That's according to Jung H. Pak, a historian and former US special representative for North Korea under the Biden administration.

According to her, Kim Jong Un has consolidated power at home more firmly than ever before, transforming his country from an international pariah into a notable player on the world political stage in record time.

Experts on North Korea increasingly point out that the country's leader benefits from skillfully maneuvering between two major allies — Russia, which Pyongyang backs in its war against Ukraine, and China, which has been forced to step up efforts to shore up its own influence over North Korea in response to Pyongyang's deepening cooperation with Moscow.

Beyond the diplomatic and economic gains, the regime's rapid military progress has also played a major role in strengthening its position: since 2022, North Korea has significantly expanded its arsenal, showcasing new types of missiles, combat drones and warships — clear evidence of an aggressive military buildup.

Analysts also highlight Russia's specific role in this process, as well as the ways Kim Jong Un's regime might eventually put its accumulated military capability to practical use.

Around Prague, based on reporting by seznamzpravy.cz